Executive Alumni

Executive Committee 2016-2017

Samantha SmithChair

Samantha is currently in her third year of the PhD Chemistry program at the University of Toronto working on the design of new iron-based catalysts for the reduction of polar double bonds. She believes that the public should have a better relationship with science, and she’d like to remedy that with the help of the CIC Toronto section. This year, Samantha would like to continue making and maintaining good relationships with collaborators via co-coordinating external outreach programs, including outreach programs related to educating children. With the little time she has, Samantha likes to play sports, paint, sketch, brew beer and
play music with her friends.

Molly SungVice Chair

Molly is a third year graduate student at the University of Toronto working on the design of N-heterocyclic based catalysts for the generation of renewable fuels. As a member of the CIC team, she led the CICTor Votes project during the 2015 federal election in an effort to open a dialogue about the important relationship between scientific research and the government. She believes that science should be accessible to the general public and would love to help CIC-Toronto become a local leader in public science education. One of her goals as vice-chair is to help promote gender equity and diversity in our scientific communities In her spare time, Molly enjoys cooking, crafting, and catching up on sleep.

Kimberly OstenSecretary

Kimberly recently received her doctoral degree from the University of British Columbia in the Mehrkhodavandi group focusing on the design of indium catalysts for the synthesis of biodegradable polymers. She currently works as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Toronto in the Song group. Her work focuses on the activation of small molecules through homogenous transition metal catalysis as well as the design and synthesis of new metal precursors for applications in atomic layer deposition. Kimberly is interested in helping the CIC Toronto section enhance communication and collaboration between academic and industrial communities by contributing to outreach and networking events, as well as contributing to outreach efforts with the general public to foster a better understanding of science and chemistry. In her spare time Kimberly enjoys reading, watching TV shows and movies and crafting.

Charlie KiviTreasurer

Charlie is a PhD candidate at U of T. His goal for the CIC is to keep the books balanced. He hopes for the CIC to increase the membership, engage more with the community and provide more networking and social opportunities for our members. In his free time, Charlie likes gaming and reading.

Laura ReyesCommunications Officer

Laura is a PhD student in Chemistry at the University of Toronto working in the Ozin group. Her research focuses on understanding the interactions of CO2 with the surface of photocatalyst materials which are active towards CO2 reduction, in order to design more efficient catalysts for solar fuels production. Aside from research, Laura is passionate about promoting chemistry and science communication, something that she brings to her role within the CIC Toronto section. Laura is a founding member, past Co-Chair, and current Social Media Coordinator of the Green Chemistry Initiative, a student organization focused on green chemistry education for chemistry researchers as well as general audiences. She is also involved as an Executive-at-Large with the Women in Chemistry Toronto, a group dedicated to promoting gender diversity within chemistry. In her remaining spare time, Laura enjoys browsing Twitter and drinking coffee.

Jay Chi
Communications Officer

Jay is a graduate student in the first year of his MSc. program at the University of Toronto. My research is focussed on using microfluidics to understand hydrogen and carbon dioxide sequestration with frustrated Lewis pairs. As the CIC Communications Officer, I hope to make the student awards night (SAN) a memorable experience for awardees and expand the annual Career Fair to reach greater audiences. In my free time, I enjoy listening to music, playing various racquet sports, cooking, and hiking.

Jennifer HuynhCommunications Officer

Jennifer is currently enrolled in the Molecular Science, MSc. program at Ryerson University, working on synthesizing BODIPY-donor dyads and studying their redox stability for use in dye-sensitized solar cell applications. Jennifer’s outlook as a communications officer is to bridge between the CIC Toronto section executive team, academia, industry and our CIC Toronto members, you! This year, her goal on the CIC is to keep members of the CIC informed about upcoming events. In her free time, Jennifer likes to watch tv.

Danielle EllisInternal Events Coordinator

Danielle received an Honours BSc. double majoring in chemistry and math and is currently an insurance specialist. She also owns a baking/decorating business on top of her full time job. Danielle likes to be involved in as many things as possible, especially if it helps her friends! She plays hockey (men’s league), soccer (coaches too!) and boulder indoors and outdoors when she can. Danielle wants the CIC members to have fun but also wants everyone to feel rewarded from all aspects. As an events coordinator, she wants people to know that chemistry nerds (“like me!”) can have a blast and gain academic relationships in the process!

Wendy WangInternal Events Coordinator

Wendy Wang is an engineering assistant at Lake Harbor Inc., and specializes in Improvement process and providing solutions to reduce cost and optimize process. Prior to her career, Wendy was a research engineer and lecturer, where she was mainly focused on development of printed electronics and coatings from R&D to manufacturing, including development conductive ink, film and process, and characterization by instrumentation.

This year as an internal events coordinator, Wendy is going to make more connections among industrial companies, employment agencies to provide more opportunities to CIC members.

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/wendy-wang-b0a933b0

Daniel ChoInternal Events Coordinator

Lana MikhaylichenkoPublic Outreach Officer

Lana is an associate Professor, Teaching Stream at the Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC). She is a supervisor for the UTSC Chemistry Major program and serves as a faculty adviser for the UTSC Chemistry Society for the undergraduate students. She served as a Special Awards Coordinator for the Toronto Science Fair and CIC outreach coordinator for the last five years . As CIC external events coordinator Lana will continue different outreach activities like public libraries chemistry demonstrations, supporting local science fairs, etc.. Lana looks forward to work with new CIC Toronto section members and help them with their new initiatives. In her spare time, she spends time at her cottage with family and friends. Lana loves reading and knitting, and also taking care of her cat and dog.

Dr. John PurdyPublic Outreach Officer

John Purdy has a Bsc in chemistry and biochemistry, an MSc in forestry (1973) and a PhD in organic chemistry (1978) all from the University of Toronto. After graduating he taught chemistry at the University of Toronto faculty of forestry for 2 years and moved to industrial research in 1981. Over the next 27 years he followed a diverse career involving production chemistry, regulatory chemistry, and both laboratory and field research in environmental chemistry and ecotoxicology. After ‘retiring’ in 2008, John maintained an active research career in ecotoxicology and environmental chemistry and was a visiting scientist at the University of Guelph as part of the Canpolin pollinator research group led by Dr. Peter Kevan from 2008 to 2014. He is currently a consultant with Abacus Consulting Services Ltd., Campbellville, Ontario, Canada.

He has completed more than 100 major ecological and environmental projects to meet Good
Laboratory Practice Standards, including ground-breaking research on the analytical chemistry,
environmental behavior and modelling of pesticides, ecotoxicology and studies of effects
of pesticides on both aquatic and terrestrial species.

His studies included both honeybees and other pollinators. John has also been a beekeeper
for over 15 years. John published 9 peer-reviewed papers and text book chapters and
presented new research at 3 major international conferences in 2014. He is currently the study
director for a major water quality monitoring project in PEI.

NasimSeifiGovernment Liaison & Industrial Liaison

Nasim is so enthusiastic and motivated in innovation and material science. She is master candidate at Faculty of Engineering & Architectural Science at Ryerson University. Also, she is an MS graduate in organic chemistry and certified medical aesthetician from British Columbia Academy. She has had many experiences in collaborating with the industry. She currently is executive director of Canadian Society for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CSIE). Undoubtedly, Nasim is passionate and interested in new innovations. She strongly believes that entrepreneurs would be able to introduce new technology to provide a convenient life for people. It is indispensable that making a stable bridge between scientific
research and professionals in the government and Industry has always had immense impacts
on supporting entrepreneurs and scientific researchers. Her goal is to build up a strong
connection between CIC members with professional people in the government and Industry in
order to enhance sustainable innovation and emerging technology for CIC members.

Julia BayneGovernment Liaison

Julia is a third year PhD student in Chemistry at the University of Toronto in the Stephan group. Her research is focused on the development of phosphorus-based Lewis acids and frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs) and their applications in metal-free catalysis and FLP chemistry. As government liaison with CIC, Julia hopes to develop new relationships between the government and CIC Toronto, subsequently bridging the gap between government and science policy and the general public. In her spare time, Julia runs a CrossFit gym and enjoys leisurely reading on the beach (weather permitting).

Pasha Mohammed, C. Tech.Industry Liaison

Pasha graduated from the 4-Years Electrical/Electronics Technology program in 1981, and the Automation & Robotic Control Specialist program from Centennial College, Toronto in 2002.

He had three decades of experience in Plant Engineering, Maintenance and Reliability overseas and in Canada in various industries including Aeronautics, Industrial Automation, Food Processing and Packaging. He currently works for Plant maintenance and Industrial Automation. Pasha works part-time as continuing education professor at Centennial College, Toronto, Ontario. At present, Pasha is SMRP (Society for Maintenance and Reliability Professionals) Ontario Chapter Chair and OACETT Toronto East Chapter College Liaison. He is also Chair of Program Advisory committee of Electrical Technology program at Centennial College, Toronto. Pasha is a Board member of Plant Engineering and Maintenance Magazine Editorial Advisory Board.

Pasha’s goal for this year is promoting chemistry for young students through National Chemistry Week.
Connecting members to Industry real-world experience and networking with industry professionals
and plant tours. Pasha is actively involved in National Engineering Month, and has been an event
coordinator for several years. Pasha is an event coordinator for National Chemistry Week. He
has conducted several seminars for Internationally Trained Professionals in Toronto and
Peel Region of Ontario. Pasha is also actively involved with MPP Outreach, Corporate employer
outreach Programme. He spends his free time with family and friends watching TV.

James LaFortuneIndustrial Liaison

James LaFortune is a second year PhD student researching inorganic main group chemistry at the University of Toronto. Since starting graduate school, he has gotten involved in CUPE, GCI, and ChemClub in various administration and communication roles. As an Industrial Liaison Officer for the CIC Toronto, his goal is to reach out to nearby industrial chemistry companies to facilitate their involvement and networking with the CIC and its members. When James is not in the lab, he likes to go rock climbing and tend to his garden of mostly fruit trees.

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/james-lafortune-3ab566a8

Chris SeoAcademic Liaison

Judith C. Poë, FCICAcademic Liaison

Judith Poë (FCIC) Department of Chemical and Physical Sciences, University of Toronto, did her undergraduate studies in chemistry and her graduate work in biochemistry at Imperial College of Science and Technology, University of London, before joining the University of Toronto faculty. Trained as a bioinorganic chemist with interests in the mechanisms of catalysis by copper and iron containing metalloenzymes, Professor Poë’s current research and scholarly activity are in the area of chemical education focusing on web-enhanced teaching and learning, writing as a tool for learning and Problem-Based Learning. She is an Editorial Board member of the Journal of Science Education and Technology. A U of T President’s Teaching Award recipient, she has received numerous other teaching awards including the OCUFA Teaching Award, a 3M Teaching Fellowship and the Union Carbide Award for Chemical Education. Poë served as President of the Canadian Society for Chemistry (1999-2000) and is currently Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Canadian Chemical Education Trust and a Fellow of the Chemical Institute of Canada.
Poë sees the CICTor as having been renewed over the past few years and now in good, young,
capable hands. As such she sees her role as mainly advisory and, as academic liaison, to reach
out to students outside of the Toronto core and facilitate their participation in CICTor events.
In her spare time she enjoys playing the piano and listening to jazz.

Maja ChojnackaInterim Academic Liaison

Maja is a third-year student in the organic chemistry program at the University of Toronto working on the total synthesis of Prunustatin A – a natural product with anticancer properties. Her goal this year is to integrate students from different schools and to provide them with networking opportunities (both inside and outside of the academic environment) by organizing various events. In her free time Maja enjoys hiking, fishing and camping.

Fari (Farkhondeh) FathiExecutive-at-Large

Fari (Farkhondeh) is currently a chemistry lecturer at University of Toronto. Fari sees chemistry not only as a science on its own, but also as an indispensable part of many other disciplines. Her perspective as an internal CIC event coordinator is making a tie between various industrial sections and academia to enhance various new career opportunities for CIC members. This year, her goal is coordinating various networking and career events to introduce, and bring more exciting opportunities to CIC members. In her free time, Fari enjoys playing drum, composing new rhythms, singing, crocheting, reading books, hiking, cooking, and watching movies.

Mohammed AliExecutive-at-Large

Mohammed Ali is an upcoming 4th year Chemical Engineering Student at the University of Toronto. As a member of the executive team for CIC Toronto, he is the Public Outreach Officer. It is his prerogative to ensure that the general public is informed of the chemical industry and to inspire youth and community members to consider chemistry and the physical sciences in their career. Mohammed will be instrumental in planning and managing National Chemistry Week. In his free time, he has an interest in computer programming.

Peter Ozemoyah, PhDExecutive-at-Large

Dr. Peter Ozemoyah has a Master’s Degree from the Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, another from the University of Ife and a PhD from the University of Benin, all in Chemical Engineering. He is PMI certified Project Manager. Peter is currently the Manager of the Process Systems Division for Tyne Engineering, an Engineering firm that designs and manufactures complex engineering systems for the Nuclear and Tritium-handling industries. Before joining Tyne Engineering, Peter had been a professor at several universities and colleges in North America and in Africa, Peter has served and is currently serving as member and as chairman of several professional, non-profit, and community Boards of Directors.
He is currently the President of the Canadian Nuclear Society (CNS). He is also on the
Board of the Engineering Institute of Canada (EIC). Peter enjoys travelling.

2015-2016 CICTor Executive Committee

Kazim AghaChair

Kazim Agha is a patent agent at Ridout & Maybee LLP, and specializes in obtaining patent protection for inventions, while helping his clients develop and manage their intellectual property portfolios. His practice focuses on preparation and prosecution of patent applications within Canada and internationally; while providing strategic guidance for inventions related to life sciences and mechanical devices, with particular emphasis in the areas of chemistry, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, oil and gas, cleantech and energy.

Prior to his legal career, Kazim was a senior research chemist at a major chemical company where he was responsible for oligonucleotide and other active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) projects from R&D to manufacturing, including process validation and pre-approval inspection (PAI) preparation.

Mokit ChauVice-Chair

Mokit Chau is a graduate student in the final year of her
PhD program at the University of Toronto. Her work is currently focused on creating elastic anisotropic foams of polyurethane composites. She has served, in good standing, as the Treasurer for both U of T ChemClub (2013-2014) and the CIC Toronto Section (2014-2015). Mokit now holds the position of Vice-Chair at the CIC Toronto Section. She envisions the CIC Toronto Section as a hub for connecting between its members, industry, and academia through effective networking events and communications of mutual opportunities. If Mokit has spare time, she enjoys rock climbing (bouldering), cycle touring, and organizing events for the CIC Toronto Section.

Charlie KiviTreasurer

Charlie is a PhD candidate at U of T. His goal for the CIC is to keep the books balanced. He hopes for the CIC to increase the membership, engage more with the community and provide more networking and social opportunities for our members. In his free time, Charlie likes gaming and reading.

Samantha SmithSecretary

Samantha is currently in her third year of the PhD Chemistry program at the University of Toronto working on the design of new iron-based catalysts for the reduction of polar double bonds. She believes that the public should have a better relationship with science, and she’d like to remedy that with the help of the CIC Toronto section. This year, Samantha would like to continue making and maintaining good relationships with collaborators via co-coordinating external outreach programs, including outreach programs related to educating children. With the little time she has, Samantha likes to play sports, paint, sketch, brew beer and play music with her friends.

Laura ReyesCommunications Officer

Laura is a PhD student in Chemistry at the University of Toronto working in the Ozin group. Her research focuses on understanding the interactions of CO2 with the surface of photocatalyst materials which are active towards CO2 reduction, in order to design more efficient catalysts for solar fuels production. Aside from research, Laura is passionate about promoting chemistry and science communications, something that will bring to her role within the CIC Toronto section. Laura is a founding member and the current Co-Chair of the Green Chemistry Initiative, a student organization focused on green chemistry education for chemistry researchers as well as general audiences. In her remaining spare time, Laura enjoys browsing Twitter and drinking coffee.

Jennifer HuynhCommunications Officer

Jennifer is currently enrolled in the Molecular Science Master’s program at Ryerson University, working on synthesizing copper(I) dyes for use in dye-sensitized solar cell applications. Jennifer’s outlook as a communications officer is to bridge between the CIC Toronto section executive team, academia, industry and our CIC Toronto members, you! This year, her goal on the CIC is to enhance the Catalyst newsletter to include company profiles, include more news regarding employment opportunities and inform the members of upcoming events. In her free time, Jennifer likes to watch tv.

Jay Chi
Volunteer

Jay is a graduate student in the first year of his MSc. program at the University of Toronto. My research is focussed on using microfluidics to understand hydrogen and carbon dioxide sequestration with frustrated lewis pairs. As the CIC internal events coordinator, I hope to make the student awards night (SAN) a memorable experience for awardees and expand the annual Career Fair to reach greater audiences. In my free time, I enjoy listening to music, playing various racquet sports, cooking, and hiking.

Fari (Farkhondeh) FathiInternal Events Coordinator

Fari (Farkhondeh) is currently chemistry lecturer at University of Toronto. Fari sees chemistry not only as a science on its own, but also as an indispensable part of many other disciplines. Then, her perspective as an internal CIC event coordinator is making a tie between various industrial sections and academia to enhance various new career opportunities for CIC members. This year, her goal is coordinating various networking and career events to introduce, and bring more exciting opportunities to CIC members. In her free time, Fari enjoys playing drum, composing new rhythms, singing, crocheting, reading books, hiking, cooking, and watching movies.

Dr. Lana MikhaylichenkoExternal Events Coordinator

Lana is a senior lecturer at the Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences University of Toronto Scarborough. I am also supervising Major program in Chemistry and serve as a faculty adviser for the UTSC undergraduate students Chemistry Society. For the last five years she served as a Special Awards Coordinator for the Toronto Science Fair. As an external events coordinator Lana will continue different outreach activities that I was doing for CIC during last six years. Chemistry demonstrations at different Toronto Public libraries branches, supporting regional science fairs, are among them. Lana looks forward to work with new CIC Toronto section members and help them with their new initiatives. In her spare time, she spends time in her cottage. She also enjoys reading and knitting.

Kris KimAcademic Liaison

Kris is currently pursuing his PhD at the University of Toronto, Department of Chemistry, working to develop and provide environmentally-friendly coating solutions to toxic heavy metal antifouling paint products commonly employed in shipping and aquaculture industries. As academic and industrial liaison, Kris will help initiate and foster positive relationships between these sectors through various events hosted by the CIC, such as the annual Career Fair and many more. In his free time, Kris enjoys to cook and, of course, eat the wealth of multicultural cuisine offered in Toronto.

Maja ChojnackaAcademic Liaison

Maja is a third-year student in the organic chemistry program at the University of Toronto working on the total synthesis of Prunustatin A – a natural product with anticancer properties. Her goal this year is to integrate students from different schools and to provide them with networking opportunities (both inside and outside of the academic environment) by organizing various events. In her free time Maja enjoys hiking, fishing and camping.

Pasha Mohammed, C. Tech.Industry Liaison

Pasha graduated from the 4-Years Electrical/Electronics Technology program in 1981, and the Automation & Robotic Control Specialist program from Centennial College, Toronto in 2002.

He had three decades of experience in Plant Engineering, Maintenance and Reliability overseas and in Canada in various industries including Aeronautics, Industrial Automation, Food Processing and Packaging. He currently works for Plant maintenance and Industrial Automation. Pasha works part-time as continuing education professor at Centennial College, Toronto, Ontario. At present, Pasha is SMRP (Society for Maintenance and Reliability Professionals) Ontario Chapter Chair and OACETT Toronto East Chapter College Liaison. He is also Chair of Program Advisory committee of Electrical Technology program at Centennial College, Toronto. Pasha is a Board member of Plant Engineering and Maintenance Magazine Editorial Advisory Board.

Pasha’s goal for this year is promoting chemistry for young students through National Chemistry Week. Connecting members to Industry real-world experience and networking with industry professionals and plant tours. Pasha is actively involved in National Engineering Month, and has been an event coordinator for several years. Pasha is an event coordinator for National Chemistry Week. He has conducted several seminars for Internationally Trained Professionals in Toronto and Peel Region of Ontario. Pasha is also actively involved with MPP Outreach, Corporate employer outreach Programme. He spends his free time with family and friends watching TV.

Bryan D. KoivistoIndustry Liaison

Dr. Bryan Koivisto is an Associate Professor at Ryerson University. He is involved in several public outreach initiatives, such as Science Rendezvous and the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program (SSEP). Within the Ryerson community, he was integral in starting up RySciMatch, the CaB Undergraduate Research Leaders Challenge and directing the Student Space-flight Experiments Program.

Along with being a professor, he is a strong advocate for student leadership and drives his students to improve academically and professionally. His vision for the CIC is to develop stronger ties between academics and industry. When he is not teaching, Bryan enjoys playing soccer.

Kimberly OstenVolunteer

Kimberly recently received her doctoral degree from the University of British Columbia in the Mehrkhodavandi group focusing on the design of indium catalysts for the synthesis of biodegradable polymers. She currently works as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Toronto in the Song group. Her work focuses on the activation of small molecules through homogenous transition metal catalysis as well as the design and synthesis of new metal precursors for applications in atomic layer deposition. Kimberly is interested in helping the CIC Toronto section enhance communication and collaboration between academic and industrial communities by contributing to outreach and networking events, as well as contributing to outreach efforts with the general public to foster a better understanding of science and chemistry. In her spare time Kimberly enjoys reading, watching TV shows and movies and crafting.

Molly SungVolunteer

Molly is a second year graduate student at the University of Toronto working on the design of N-heterocyclic based catalysts for water oxidation. As a member of the CIC team, she led the CICTor Votes project during the 2015 federal election in an effort to open a dialogue about the important relationship between scientific research and the government. She will also be organizing the 2016 brewery tour. She believes that science should be more accessible to the general public and would love to help CIC-Toronto become a local leader in public science outreach and education. In her spare time, Molly enjoys cooking, crafting, and catching up on sleep.

Patrick TuckExecutive-at-Large

Patrick is a Sales Representative at Tartan Color and Chemical, a distributor of pigments (Colors) and additives to various chemical industries. Patrick’s goal for 2016 is to help organize and run events and provide experiential knowledge.Patrick keeps himself busy with Ultimate Frisbee and hiking with his Dog “Fielder”.

Patrick is a Sales Representative at Tartan Color and Chemical, a distributor of pigments (Colors) and additives to various chemical industries. Patrick’s goal for 2016 is to help organize and run events and provide experiential knowledge. Patrick keeps himself busy with Ultimate Frisbee and hiking with his Dog “Fielder”.

Anjuli SzawiolaExecutive-at-Large

Anjuli is currently a chemistry Ph.D student at the University of Toronto working on triarylamine derivatives for applications in organic electronics. Her goals for this year include branching CIC out to chemical engineers and providing support for events. In her spare time, Anjuli likes to do yoga, read and run.

John PurdyExecutive-at-Large

John Purdy has a Bsc in chemistry and biochemistry, an MSc in forestry (1973) and a PhD in organic chemistry (1978) all from the University of Toronto. After graduating he taught chemistry at the University of Toronto faculty of forestry for 2 years and moved to industrial research in 1981. Over the next 27 years he followed a diverse career involving production chemistry, regulatory chemistry, and both laboratory and field research in environmental chemistry and ecotoxicology. After ‘retiring’ in 2008, John maintained an active research career in ecotoxicology and environmental chemistry and was a visiting scientist at the University of Guelph as part of the Canpolin pollinator research group led by Dr. Peter Kevan from 2008 to 2014. He is currently a consultant with Abacus Consulting Services Ltd., Campbellville, Ontario, Canada

He has completed more than 100 major ecological and environmental projects to meet Good Laboratory Practice Standards, including ground-breaking research on the analytical chemistry, environmental behavior and modelling of pesticides, ecotoxicology and studies of effects of pesticides on both aquatic and terrestrial species.

His studies included both honeybees and other pollinators. John has also been a beekeeper for over 15 years. John published 9 peer-reviewed papers and text book chapters and presented new research at 3 major international conferences in 2014. He is currently the study director for a major water quality monitoring project in PEI.

Judith PoëExecutive-at-Large

Judith Poë (FCIC) Department of Chemical and Physical Sciences, University of Toronto, did her undergraduate studies in chemistry and her graduate work in biochemistry at Imperial College of Science and Technology, University of London, before joining the University of Toronto faculty. Trained as a bioinorganic chemist with interests in the mechanisms of catalysis by copper and iron containing metalloenzymes, Professor Poë’s current research and scholarly activity are in the area of chemical education focusing on web-enhanced teaching and learning, writing as a tool for learning and Problem-Based Learning. She is an Editorial Board member of the Journal of Science Education and Technology. A U of T President’s Teaching Award recipient, she has received numerous other teaching awards including the OCUFA Teaching Award, a 3M Teaching Fellowship and the Union Carbide Award for Chemical Education. Poë served as President of the Canadian Society for Chemistry (1999-2000) and is currently Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Canadian Chemical Education Trust and a Fellow of the Chemical Institute of Canada. Poë sees the CICTor as having been renewed over the past few years and now in good, young, capable hands. As such she sees her role as a member-at-large as mainly advisory and to facilitate liaison with the CIC Head Office. In her spare time she enjoys playing the piano and listening to jazz.

Mohammed AliExecutive-at-Large

Mohammed Ali is an upcoming 3rd year Chemical Engineering Student at the University of Toronto. As a member of the executive team for CIC Toronto, he is the Public Outreach Officer. It is his prerogative to ensure that the general public is informed of the chemical industry and to inspire youth and community members to consider chemistry and the physical sciences in their career. Mohammed will be instrumental in planning and managing National Chemistry Week. In his free time, he has an interest in computer programming.

Peter Ozemoyah, PhDExecutive-at-Large

Dr. Peter Ozemoyah has a Master’s Degree from the Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, another from the University of Ife and a PhD from the University of Benin, all in Chemical Engineering. He is PMI certified Project Manager. Peter is currently the Manager of the Process Systems Division for Tyne Engineering, an Engineering firm that designs and manufactures complex engineering systems for the Nuclear and Tritium-handling industries. Before joining Tyne Engineering, Peter had been a professor at several universities and colleges in North America and in Africa, Peter has served and is currently serving as member and as chairman of several professional, non-profit, and community Boards of Directors. He is currently the 1st Vice President of the Canadian Nuclear Society (CNS). He is also on the Board of the Engineering Institute of Canada (EIC). Peter enjoys travelling.

Demyan Prokopchuk is currently Chair of the CIC Toronto section. In previous years he was Treasurer (2012-2013) and a Member-at-large (2010-2012). His objectives as Chair are to continue organizing annual events for students such as the Student Awards Night and Crystal Growing Contest, but also introduce more events to engage local section members. Under Demyan’s leadership, the executive organized the inaugural “Mill Street Brewery Tour and Sponsor Appreciation Night” held in December 2013 and is currently planning a “Chemistry Career Day” for local section members. In addition to creating the local section’s website in 2011, he continues to be webmaster. With the help of Raj Dhiman (Secretary), the website has recently undergone major improvements. Demyan is a PhD candidate in the University of Toronto Department of Chemistry.

Vice Chair – Eric Persson

Eric Persson is the Vice Chair of the Toronto section and has been a member of the executive committee since 2009. As the coordinator of the Crystal Growing Contest, Eric is actively promoting chemistry amongst high school students and teachers in the GTA. Eric work as an Application Specialist at Syngenta Canada and is a Chemical Engineering graduate of the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm.

Secretary – Raj Dhiman

Raj Dhiman is not your typical chemist. His career path has taken him into the world of acting, public speaking, chemistry and consulting. His Ph.D. is in bio-organic chemistry from the University of Toronto. After leaving academia, he started his own business and works as an independent communications consultant and coach. In the past year, Raj has engaged in projects with Sun Life Financial, The University of Toronto Career Centre, The Department of Chemistry at U of T and has coached a TEDx speaker. Raj is committed to providing value for chemical professional and joined the executive of the CICToronto in 2013 as a result.